AICTE launches comprehensive Space Technology Curriculum 

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced a model curriculum for a minor degree in space technology to address the rising demand for skilled professionals in India’s expanding space sector. This curriculum, developed in partnership with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), aims to provide undergraduate students with the necessary knowledge for various roles in the space industry. With six comprehensive courses, it covers essential topics like spacecraft systems, spaceflight mechanics, and space policies, offering a multidisciplinary approach to increase students’ employability.

India’s space sector, valued at $9.6 billion in 2020, is expected to grow to $13 billion by 2025. The AICTE curriculum addresses the industry’s growing workforce needs, providing students from traditional engineering disciplines the skills to thrive in space data analytics, market research, and operations.

Vice Chairman of AICTE, Abhay Jere, emphasised the importance of this curriculum, explaining that it equips students from various engineering backgrounds with the skills needed to excel in both public and private sectors. As few institutions in India offer space technology programs, this curriculum fills a crucial gap. It could potentially lead to the introduction of a full-fledged degree in space technology in the future.

Private-sector opportunities are also on the rise, with the Indian Space Policy 2023 opening the industry to private players, resulting in significant job growth. With startups booming and AICTE-approved institutions exploring this curriculum, students are now better positioned for careers in India’s growing space industry.